“Sump Pump” is a fun phrase to say, but it’s no fun when you need to get yours repaired, particularly if you need it in a hurry following heavy April showers!
April showers bring may flowers, and can also lead to lots of water in your basement. That’s why you need a working sump pump.
The Top 3 Causes of Sump Pump Failure:
- A power outage. Sump pumps rely on electricity. If your power goes out during a storm, your sump pump will stop working, too. That’s why it’s a good idea to install a battery backup as an additional source of power.
- Frozen or clogged discharge lines. Leaves, twigs and other debris can sometimes get stuck in your sump pump’s discharge lines and create havoc. Make sure you check around the outside of your house where the discharge line exits your home and keep it clear of any debris. Check the area in the basement where the pump is installed to make sure it is dry and there are no leaks or cracks.
- Neglect. The phrase “use it or lose it” also applies to your sump pump. If you don’t check your sump pump regularly, you won’t know it has a problem until it’s too late. Make it a part of your weekend chores to test your system every two to three months, especially during the rainy season.
Inspect Your Sump Pump Now, BEFORE You Need It!
Now that Spring is here, the time to check if your sump pump is in proper working order is right now. While it’s easy to check on your own, you should have a professional take a look as part of an annual plumbing inspection. An expert may find problems that you miss, and you’ll be glad they did!
The Do-It-Yourself Sump Pump Quick Check:
Simply pour some water into the pit. After a few seconds, the pump should start up, eliminate the water, and shut off. If this doesn’t happen, you should call your friendly neighborhood plumber. (That would be us! Click here to call now!)
What a Professional Should Check During a Sump Pump Inspection:
Here is the procedure a professional plumber will take to make sure your sump pump is in good working order during an annual inspection:
- Testing the alarm. Not all sump pumps have alarms that sound when the device is activated, but if your sump pump has one, it should be tested to make sure it functions when it’s needed.
- Making sure the check valve works. A professional should make certain that there is a check valve on the discharge pipe. The check valve may help prevent water from flowing back down the discharge pipe after it is pumped out. When the water is gone, we want it to stay gone!
- Checking your backup power source. Sump pumps often need to work during extreme weather conditions that may result in power outages. A professional should confirm there is a working backup power source on your sump pump, such as a battery backup.
- Checking the pit. A sump pump sits in a pit which gathers water until the pump removes it. The pit needs to be large enough — at least 24 inches deep and 18 inches wide — for the sump pump to function properly. The pit also needs to be clear of debris or it may clog or impede the proper function of the sump pump.
- Checking the discharge location. The discharge location is recommended to be at least 20 feet from a home to help prevent water from draining onto neighboring properties, into public sewer systems or into a residential septic system.
Some of those look familiar, eh? Hey, we know what we’re doing and we’re here to give you good advice. A sump pump can be an important tool to help prevent excess groundwater and rainwater from entering your home. But, as with any appliance or system, a little planning and regular maintenance is required to help ensure proper function.
If you need your sump pump inspected, don’t wait! Call us now to schedule an appointment.
Call now for help with your sump pump!
410-429-4959
Ensor Plumbing is a 3rd generation woman-owned and family operated business serving Reisterstown and area homes since 1961! Get to know us BEFORE you have a plumbing emergency. 410-429-4959. Or request service right here from our website.